Modern Logs QAL Part 3 – Sewing the Quilt Top

Did you have fun sewing your Modern Logs improv blocks from last week? If you are still working on your blocks, that’s totally ok! Take as much time as you need to make this quilt; these helpful hints will stay here on my blog indefinitely and you can scroll to the end of the post for links to all of the previous QAL posts.

Click here to get the pattern, fabric, or optional kit to make Modern Logs (while supplies last).

This week we are working on sewing the blocks together to complete the quilt top. In my image above, you can see how some light fabrics touch and some dark fabrics touch and that’s totally ok!! You won’t have an even number of blocks that end on a light or dark fabric and the more random it looks, the better! Just remember, you can rotate the blocks and lay them out however you like.

Sew the rows

Due to the offset nature of the design, the blocks will be joined together into vertical rows rather than horizontal rows. Notice that every row has a partial block added to it either on the top or the bottom of the row. Be sure to turn it the right way when sewing the blocks together.

I made 20 blocks for the crib size layout shown above. Then I decided I wanted to make the bigger throw size. That’s the beauty about this design – you can always make more blocks at any time!

I spent a lot of time arranging the blocks on my design wall until I was happy with their placement. Take a picture with your camera phone to help you stay organized.

This quilt goes together super fast fast and easy because you don’t have to pin the individual blocks. As long as they are the same size everything will fit together nicely because there are no seams to match in each row!!

Just remember to use accurate 1/4 seams allowances, lower your stitch length, and press seams open to keep everything nice and flat:

When joining the rows, be sure to sew them in opposite directions so that everything stays nice and flat. Refer to the Modern Logs quilt pattern on pages 8-9 for size layout and quilt top assembly diagrams.

It’s a lot easier to handle the bulk of the quilt if you press your blocks after each pair sewn. Then press each of the finished rows, then pairs of rows etc. In general I like to press my work after each seem is sewn as part of the process.

Once the entire quilt top is finished, take a “victory lap!” Sew around the edges of the quilt to keep them from stretching out of shape and to secure the edge seams from splitting open.

Before you know it you’ll have a finished quilt top!! Next week we will prep the backing. You can either purchase all new fabric, or use up the leftovers with some yardage chunks depending on the size you are making. The choice is up to you but it’s easier (and more fun) than you think!